Portland City Council ready to ban travel to states with anti-LGBTQ laws

PORTLAND — City councilors will vote April 25 on a ban against use of public funds for non-essential travel to states that enact legislation that discriminate against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals.

The proclamation already has the support of Mayor Ethan Strimling and each city councilor, city spokeswoman Jessica Grondin said in a press release April 14.

The ban would not include travel “necessary for the enforcement of an ordinance, to meet contractual obligations, or for the protection of public health, safety or welfare,” Grondin said.

The proclamation follows enactment of laws in North Carolina and Mississippi that permit restricted public and private accommodations in restrooms, and allow individuals to refuse service to customers based on religious grounds.